What has the IMD announced ahead of this year’s monsoon? | Explained

The system was developed at the specific request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare | Photo Credit: K K Mustafah The story so far:The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday unveiled a new forecast system that, for the first time, will generate block-level forecasts of the monsoon’s arrival. The system covers 15 States and one Union Territory, taking in 3,196 blocks — roughly half of India’s 7,200-odd blocks. Until now, monsoon onset estimates have been available at best at the State or district scale. Published - May 14, 2026 08:30 am IST